We invite you to join us in-person at the Northwest Building or virtually for the inaugural DCE Spring Conference on March 8, 2026, hosted by faculty chair John Paul Rollert, JD, Ph.D., and the Harvard Extension Alumni Association (HEAA).
This event will bring together DCE-wide faculty, alumni, learners, and special guests from all over the world to discuss how we can better lead ourselves and others in the face of unprecedented challenges.
The Conference includes concurrent workshops, panels, and presentations, curated for both in-person and online participants. Attendees will get a chance to hear from faculty such as Bobbi Wegner, Ph.D., Eugene B. Kogan, Ph.D., and various alumni leaders.
HEAA President Ariel Gamiño ALM ’03 and Dean Nancy Coleman, Ed.D. will discuss leadership in higher education.
Whether you’re joining us for the in-person or virtual experience, we hope to see you on March 8!
In-Person Experience
Cost: $75
In-person attendees will curate their learning across two dozen session options; plus enjoy buffet meals, refreshments, and rich conversation.
In-Person Schedule
All times are Eastern Time
8–9 a.m.: Check-in, breakfast, and informal networking
9–9:50 a.m.: Leading Through Challenging Times with John Paul Rollert, JD, Ph.D.
10–10:50 a.m.:
- HES Public Service Leadership Panel with Santiago Creuheras ALM ’00, ALM ’01, Jeff Keuss ALM ’24, Priya Tahiliani ALM ’13, and moderator Connie Askin ALB ’93
- Groups and Culture with Bobbi Wegner, Ph.D.
- The Decision Room: Unscripted Leadership Practice with Merissa Goodstein CSS ’22
- Personal Branding for Leadership Presence and Career Development with Karen Leland ALM ’22
11–11:50 a.m.:
- HES Alumni Entrepreneurial Leadership Panel with Lupita Almuhana, Bridgette Chambers, Sam Siu, and moderator Imran Khan ALM ’23
- Problem-Solving Across Differences with Eugene B. Kogan, Ph.D.
- Too Precious to Lose: A Conversation about Community Leadership & Racial Reconciliation with Jason Green, JD & Alvin Carter
- Beyond Small Talk: The Power of Meaningful Conversation with Onaiza Kazi ALM ’24
12–1 p.m.: Buffet lunch and networking
1–1:50 p.m.: Leadership in Higher Education with Dean Nancy Coleman, Ed.D. & HEAA President Ariel Gamiño ALM ’03
2–2:50 p.m.:
- Top CEO Moves in the First 12 Months with Athena Manley
- HEAA Panel: How You Can Get Involved
- AI in Practice: Tips for Leading in the Workplace with Per Clingweld
- Leadership Through Language: How to Use Writing to Build Influence and Change Minds with Trent Spiner Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management ’23
3–3:50 p.m.:
- HES Alumni Non-Profit Leadership Panel with Toni Bell, Cristina Morais, Ariadna Trapote ALM ’15, and moderator Siza Mtimbiri ALB ’06 ALM ’07
- HEAA Workshop: AI ‘Learning Together’
- Gen Alpha and the Leadership Decisions That Will Define the Next Decade with Daniel Sarmiento CSS ’04
- Marketing Strategies for Leaders with Ben Fisher
4–5:30 p.m.: Special Guest Conversation with The Empowerment Plan’s Veronika Scott and John Paul Rollert, JD, Ph.D.
Virtual Experience
Cost: $25
Those attending virtually will have access to a curated selection of live-streamed sessions, plus extended hours.
Virtual Schedule
All times are Eastern Time
6–7 a.m.: Beyond Borders: Shaping the Future of a Global HEAA Alumni Network with Maleeha Habib ALM ’21
7–8 a.m.: Leadership in the Art World with Daphne Kobia
8–9 a.m.: Aligning Your Leadership and Impact with Core Values with Steve Gardner ALM ’21
9–9:50 a.m.: Leading Through Challenging Times with John Paul Rollert, JD, Ph.D.
10–10:50 a.m.
- Groups and Culture with Bobbi Wegner, Ph.D.
- Building with Purpose: A Technical Leader’s Moral Compass from Startups to Fortune 500 Companies with Pablo Maceiras De Araujo ALM ’21
11–11:50 a.m.:
- Problem-Solving Across Differences with Eugene B. Kogan, Ph.D.
- Negotiation and Organizational Conflict Resolution with Diana Buttu, JSM, LLM
1–1:50 p.m.: Leadership in Higher Education with Dean Nancy Coleman, Ed.D. & HEAA President Ariel Gamiño ALM ’03
2–2:50 p.m.:
- HEAA Panel: How You Can Get Involved
- Ethical Leadership with Paul Green, Jr., Ph.D.
3–3:50 p.m.:
- HEAA Workshop: AI ‘Learning Together’
- The Power of Sports Diplomacy with Carlo Capua ALM ’22
4–5:30 p.m.: Special Guest Conversation with The Empowerment Plan’s Veronika Scott and John Paul Rollert, JD, Ph.D.
FAQs
What are the registration prices?
In-Person Experience is $75 per person. Attendees will curate their learning across two dozen session options, plus enjoy buffet meals and refreshments.
Virtual Experience is $25 per person. Attendees will have access to a curated selection of live-streamed sessions, plus extended hours.
Can I attend the In-Person Experience and access the Virtual Experience sessions?
Yes. To access both the in-person and virtual experiences, you’ll need to register for each separately. The in-person fee is $75, and the virtual fee is $25.
What time does the conference begin and end?
In-Person Experience:
- Conference Program: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET
- Breakfast (optional): 8–9 a.m. ET
Virtual Experience:
- Conference Program: 6 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET
Please note: All conference times are listed in Eastern Time (ET). Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 8, so please plan accordingly.
What are the registration deadlines for in-person and virtual attendance?
In-Person Experience registration will close on Monday, March 2 at noon/12 p.m. ET
Virtual Experience registration will close on Wednesday, March 4 at 10 p.m. ET
Is there a recommended dress code for the In-Person Experience?
Business casual is recommended.
Can I bring a guest to the In-Person Experience?
Guests may attend the In-Person Experience if they are registered. Guest information can be added during the registration process, or guests may register independently if they were not added at the time of registration.
Can I bring a guest to the Virtual Experience?
Guest registration is not available for the Virtual Experience. Each virtual participant must register individually.
Will meals or refreshments be provided for the In-Person Experience?
A buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, and refreshments are included in the In-Person Experience.
Is parking available for the In-Person Experience?
Parking is not provided, and parking near Harvard Square is very limited. Harvard University offers both daily and hourly parking options, which you can explore and purchase here.
However, we strongly recommend using public transportation when possible. See more information about public transportation, maps & directions.
How and when will Zoom links be shared for the Virtual Experience?
Zoom links will be emailed to registered Virtual Experience attendees on Saturday, March 7.
Please be sure to check your spam or junk folder!
Will the conference sessions be recorded or available after the event?
Sessions will not be recorded or distributed following the conference.
Who should I contact regarding ADA accommodation needs?
Information on who to contact regarding ADA accommodation needs is provided during the registration process.
Can I change my registration after registering?
Registration types cannot be changed after registration is completed. Please note that refund requests are not guaranteed and must be submitted in writing.
Questions?
Please email Alumni@Extension.Harvard.edu with any additional questions.
